Dark Sides of Virtue Reassessing International Humanitarianism

"David Kennedy's challenging and thought provoking arguments should be read, considered, and internalized by all activists and policy makers in international humanitarianism."--Mary Robinson, former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland "Here, finally, a practical guide for the world's idealists. David Kennedy reveals international human rights as a noble cause easily perverted when ideals substitute for thought. He wisely asks advocates and policy makers to look at the real needs of real people in real distress, and avoid the seduction of lofty aspiration. A wise and sobering look at a field in particular need of wisdom and sobriety."--Robert B. Reich, University Professor of Social and Economic Policy, Brandeis University, and former U.S. Secretary of Labor. "Bold, courageous and penetrating, David Kennedy's book provides a critical focus and insight."--Commander Glenn T. Ware, USNR, Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff "The portrayal of military life aboard theIndependenceand the decision-making calculus resident in the naval warfare realm are described with uncanny accuracy."--Commander Dale Stephens, Royal Australian Navy "Kennedy's original insights come out of his attention to the way personal alliances and ideas of professionalism intersect and often contradict humanitarian commitments. This book is a distinctive and original contribution in which Kennedy's bold iconoclastic voice is given full rein."--Hilary Charlesworth, Australian National University "Kennedy's work is sometimes disturbing--even shattering--but always enlightening and ultimately liberating. This is the deepest, most challenging, and effective collection of essays on international and humanitarian activism available today."--Martti Koskenniemi, Professor of International Law, Helsinki UniversityKennedy, David is the author of 'Dark Sides of Virtue Reassessing International Humanitarianism', published 2005 under ISBN 9780691123943 and ISBN 0691123942.